In a letter penned exclusively for Vulture, US President Barack Obama paid tribute to the late, great Leonard Nimoy who passed away 27 February 2015, aged 83.

Long before being nerdy was cool, there was Leonard Nimoy. Leonard was a lifelong lover of the arts and humanities, a supporter of the sciences, generous with his talent and his time. And of course, Leonard was Spock. Cool, logical, big-eared and level-headed, the center of Star Trek’s optimistic, inclusive vision of humanity’s future.

I loved Spock.

In 2007, I had the chance to meet Leonard in person. It was only logical to greet him with the Vulcan salute, the universal sign for “Live long and prosper.” And after 83 years on this planet – and on his visits to many others – it’s clear Leonard Nimoy did just that. Michelle and I join his family, friends, and countless fans who miss him so dearly today.

Our thoughts are with his friends and family. Leonard Nimoy was an inspiration who embodied Star Trek‘s vision of a better future with his every fibre. He will be missed.